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Boat Storage: a Guide for Self-Storage

Speed boat going fast

We understand that your boat is a significant investment at South Rock Storage. That's why we offer secure storage units to help you protect your investment. Whether you need to store your boat for the winter or you're looking for long-term storage, we have a unit that will fit your needs.

As you prepare to store with South Rock Storage, follow our helpful guide for proper storage to ensure your boat is ready for the next season.

Please note that these are our recommendations. Do your research, and consult your owner's manual for specific instructions.

Clean your boat

To prepare your boat for storage, we recommend cleaning it thoroughly and drying it completely. This will help to prevent mold and mildew from forming. Be sure to clean all surfaces, including the hull, deck, upholstery, and carpets.

If you have a canvas cover, clean it and ensure it is dry before storing it.

Remove all items from the boat

Before you store your boat, be sure to remove all items from the boat, including life jackets, fishing gear, and any other personal belongings. This will help to protect your belongings and prevent them from being damaged during storage.

Drain all fluids

It's crucial to drain all fluids from your boat before storing it. This includes fuel, oil, and coolant. If possible, open all hatches and compartments to allow air to circulate.

Be sure to consult your owner's manual for specific instructions on how to do this.

Use a dehumidifier

If you are storing your boat in an enclosed space, it is essential to take measures to prevent mold and mildew from forming. One way to do this is to use a dehumidifier to help keep the air dry.

Mold and mildew need moist conditions to grow, so by keeping the air dry and circulating, you can help to discourage their growth. Dehumidifiers work by removing moisture from the air, which can help prevent mold and mildew from taking hold. In addition, it is important to ensure that the space is well-ventilated.

Remove the battery

When you're getting your boat ready for storage, one of the most important things to do is to remove the battery. If you leave the battery in the boat, it's likely to leak and cause damage. The best way to avoid this is to remove the battery and store it in a cool, dry place.

If you don't have a place to store the battery, you can always disconnect it from the boat and leave it outside. Just be sure to cover it so that it doesn't get wet or damaged by the elements. Taking these simple precautions can help prevent your battery from leaking and damaging your boat.

Cover your boat

If you're storing your boat for an extended time, we recommend covering it with a tarp. This will help to protect it from the elements and keep it clean while in storage. Tarps and shrink wrap are relatively inexpensive, and they can save you a lot of time and money in the long run by protecting your boat from the sun, wind, and rain.

Repair damages before storage

As the boating season closes, it's important to consider how you'll store your boat for the winter. While some people opt to keep their boat in the water year-round, this can be costly and cause wear and tear on the hull.

For most people, storing the boat on land makes more sense. However, simply putting your boat in storage is not enough. It would be best if you took the time to prepare your boat for storage properly. This means fixing anything that is broken, worn, or damaged. By taking care of repairs now, you can avoid long wait times and higher costs later. Plus, you'll be able to hit the water as soon as the weather warms up!

Double check your owner's manual

Many people believe that their insurance will cover any damage that occurs to their boat. However, most carriers only provide coverage for accidents and acts of God, not damages caused by a lack of maintenance. You could face a hefty repair bill if your boat is not properly winterized or stored.

Luckily, winterizing and storing your boat doesn't have to be complicated or expensive. Taking a few simple precautions can help ensure that your boat stays in good condition all season long. Just be sure to consult the owner's manual for specific instructions on how to winterize and store your particular model.

Prepare your boat to store

While the requirements to store a boat are different in every case, some best practices apply to all. Please consult with the owner's manual specific to your boat, but we recommend the following at a minimum.

Be sure to give your boat a thorough cleaning inside and out. Besides cleaning your boat, this gives you time to discover anything that might need repair before putting your boat away until the spring. After cleaning your boat, apply a rust inhibitor to your steering and control cables.

Choose the right storage facility

Regarding boat storage, there are a few things to consider to ensure your boat is adequately taken care of:

  • First, you'll want to make sure the facility has proper security in place to deter any would-be thieves.
  • Next, you'll want to confirm that the storage unit is big enough to accommodate your boat.
  • Finally, you'll want to ask about the facility's policy on storing boats during inclement weather. This is important to know in case you need to make alternate arrangements for your boat in the event of a storm.

By taking the time to find a storage facility that meets all of your needs, you can rest assured that your boat will be safe and sound until you're ready to hit the open water again.

Being in the business since 2006, South Rock Storage understands the importance of finding the proper storage solution for your boat. That's why we offer secure, spacious storage units that can accommodate boats of all sizes.

The above tips on preparing your boat for storage are only recommendations. Make sure to consult your owner's instruction manual for specific guidelines on how to prepare your boat for storage.

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Storage Tips: How to pack your belongings for Self Storage

Packing up all your belongings can be a daunting task. Here are five steps you should follow when storing your stuff in a self storage unit.

Self-storage can be an excellent option for people who need to store some extra belongings. Knowing how to pack correctly is one of those storage unit hacks you'll soon master. Here are a few storage tips to get you started. Here are 5 steps for packing your belongings for self-storage. Step 1: Sort through your belongings The first step to simplifying your life is to sort through your belongings. This can be daunting, but it's essential to take the time to go through everything you own and decide what you need and what you can donate or sell. Start by sorting your belongings into categories: clothing, furniture, electronics, etc. Then, within each category, separate the items into "must keep," "maybe keep," and "get rid of" piles. Be ruthless when sorting; if you haven't used an item in the past year, it's probably time to get rid of it. Making a list of things you need and don't will help you sort through your belongings. Once you've gone through your belongings, take the time to organize them in a way that makes the most sense to you. For instance, some like to organize their items by type (clothing, electronics, etc.), while others want to organize by how often they plan on needing the item. Step 2: Choose the right packing materials Packing for a move can be stressful. There are many options, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. One of the most critical decisions is what packing materials to use. The most popular packing material is bubble wrap. Bubble wrap is inexpensive and can be found at most stores. It is also effective at protecting items from damage. However, it can be bulky and takes up a lot of space. Another option is packing peanuts. Packing peanuts are also inexpensive and can be found at most stores. They are not as effective as bubble wrap at protecting items from damage, but they take up less space than bubble wrap. Another option is foam padding. Foam padding is more expensive than bubble wrap or packing peanuts, but it offers the best protection for your belongings. It is also less bulky than bubble wrap and takes up less space than packing peanuts. Cost: $4 to $15 for a roll of bubble wrap; $1 to $3 for packing peanuts; and about $8 to $12 for foam padding. Step 3: Pack for self-storage by creating a system When packing for a move, it is essential to pack your belongings systematically. This will help ensure that everything is packed securely and that you can find what you need when you unpack. Here are some tips for packing your belongings systematically: Begin by packing items you will not need until after you have moved, such as winter clothes or holiday decorations. Next, pack the items you will need immediately upon arriving at your new home, such as toiletries and bedding. Pack the large items last, such as furniture and appliances. Make sure to label each box with a description of its contents. This will make it easier to find things when you unpack. Step 4: Label your boxes and containers When it comes to packing for a move, an organizational system is key. If you take the time to label your boxes and containers, unpacking will be a breeze. Here are a few tips on how to label your boxes: Label each box with its contents. This will help you quickly find what you need when you're unpacking. Use different-colored markers or tape to distinguish between boxes that contain fragile items and those that don't. This way, you'll know which boxes to handle with caution. Label the outside of each box as well as the bottom. This way, you'll be able to tell which box is which even if they're turned upside down. Make sure all of your labels are legible and easy to read. This will make it easier to locate items you need. Step 5: Transport your belongings to the storage unit If you are in the process of moving and have a lot of belongings that need to be stored, a storage unit may be the perfect solution. Transporting all of your belongings to the storage unit can seem daunting, but with a bit of preparation, it can be done quickly and easily. Here are a few tips to help make a move go smoothly: Start by packing up the smaller items first. This will make it easier to move around larger pieces and furniture. Use sturdy boxes or bins that can hold up against being stacked. Pack each box tightly, making sure there is no extra space inside. This will help keep your belongings safe during transport. Label each box with its contents, so you know what is inside when unpacking them at the storage unit. Use a blanket or heavy-duty plastic wrap to wrap furniture and other large items that could get damaged during transport. Make sure to label the boxes, so you know what is in each one. This will help keep you from getting mixed up when unpacking at the storage unit. Final Thoughts Thank you for reading our guide on how to pack your belongings for self-storage. South Rock Storage is the place to go if you're looking for a reliable, honest, and affordable storage unit in Wichita, Kansas, for your belongings and furniture. We offer a wide selection of Wichita storage unit sizes and features, and we can help you find the right one for your needs. So call us at 316-618-8282 or fill out our online form to get started.
a wooden gavel resting on top of money

5 Things You Didn’t Know About Storage Unit Auctions

Are you interested in buying at storage unit auctions in Wichita, Kansas? This guide listed 5 things you probably didn't know about them. Read on.

When most people think about storage unit auctions, they think about the popular television show Storage Wars. While this show is entertaining, it can also be misleading. Storage unit auctions are not like the scenes in the show. There is no excitement or fighting over items. The reality is that it is a lot like a garage sale. There are many misconceptions about auctions at storage facilities. Below are some things you may not know: What is a Storage Unit Auction Storage unit auctions are a recent trend in the United States, and they're exactly what they sound like: an auction of storage units. The storage units are opened, and the bidders can look at everything that's inside before placing a bid. Individuals or businesses who have failed to pay their rent or abandoned their possessions will often have the contents sold at auction. Most storage auctions are handled by a third-party company. This company does the auction, takes payment for the units, and handles all of the paperwork for you. Why Are Belongings Left Abandoned? There are a few possible reasons why items are often left abandoned. Some are as follows: The tenant never bothered to move their belongings out, even after the rental agreement expired. The tenant may have passed away, and their family never claimed the belongings. The tenant may have simply abandoned the unit and moved on without their possessions. Whatever the reason, it's not uncommon to find abandoned storage units littered with old furniture, boxes, and other random items. What Can You Find in Storage Auctions Storage auctions are a great place to find a variety of items at a low price. The most common type of item you will find at an auction in a storage facility is furniture, but you can also find appliances, tools, and other household items. Note though that not everything you find here is valuable. People often attend these kinds of auctions because they are looking for a good deal on items. However, it is important to remember that not everything in the unit being auctioned will be worth buying. In fact, most of the time there will be very few valuable items in the unit. It is important to really take the time to look at the items before making a bid. Moreover, it's also important to remember that you can't always trust what you see. In fact, you must always remember the inherent risk of bidding at an auction. There are simply many things that you can be unaware of - from hidden damage to missing parts - that you cannot always trust what you see. So before you go bidding on that locker full of "treasures," take a moment to consider the risks involved and whether or not it's really worth taking the chance. Know Your Storage Auction Rules There are no specific rules or guidelines in an auction, and things can quickly get out of control if you do not know what you are doing. Make sure you know what you are doing when you attend an auction. Always seek to clarify the rules of the event and if you have questions or uncertainties, never be afraid to seek help. It is open to the public Auctions are open to the public so that anyone can bid on the units. However, be aware that you may not get the best deal possible if you're not familiar with how the bidding process works. The best way to maximize your chances of getting a good deal is to attend an auction or two and watch how the process works. This will give you a better understanding of when to bid and how much to bid. Keep in mind that most units are auctioned off in bulk, so don't expect to get a lot of high-end items for cheap prices. But if you're looking for some good deals on basic household items, storage auctions are definitely worth checking out. It often takes place on weekends Weekends are when most people have free time to attend. The units are usually auctioned off in the order that they were rented, so the earliest units to be rented are usually auctioned first. The auctions usually last for a few hours, and there is a lot of bidding for the best units. Sometimes people will even start bidding before the auction begins in order to get a good unit. People often get very excited at auctions because there is the potential to find some great treasures. You do not need to be present to win You can still win an auction without being there. Yet, there are a few things that you will need to do in order to participate in an auction without being there. First, you will need to find a reputable auction company. Next, you will need to register for the auction and provide a method of payment. Finally, you will need to make sure that you have read and understood the terms and conditions of the auction. Once you have taken care of these things, you can relax and wait for the results of the auction. You have to be prepared to make a quick decision When you go to an auction, there is a minimum bid that you have to put in if you want to participate in the auction. However, at some auctions, there is no minimum bid, so you can bid as little as you want. This can be helpful if you're looking for a bargain or if you're not sure how much something is worth. It also means that someone could potentially win an auction with a very low bid, so it's important to know what you're bidding on and be prepared to pay what the item is worth. When you go to an auction, the bidding typically starts at 50% of the total. This is referred to as the opening price. Keep in mind that this is just the starting point, and the price can go up from there. In order to get an idea of what the final price might be, you need to take into account how much inventory is being auctioned off. If there are a lot of items for sale, then the price will likely go up. Conversely, if there are not many items being auctioned off, then the price could potentially go down. The bidding increments at an auction are typically $5 or $10. This means that when someone bids, the next bid must be at least $5 higher than the previous bid or $10 higher than the previous bid. This system keeps the bidding going and prevents people from just bidding a dollar amount and walking away with the unit. It also ensures that people are serious about buying the unit. It can be unpredictable Storage auctions can be unpredictable. For example, one person might bid on a unit with the intention of finding valuable items to sell, while another person might bid on the same unit with the intention of finding furniture or other household items they can use in their home. This means that the final price of a storage unit can vary drastically depending on who is bidding and how much they are willing to pay. This is all part of the fun! You've Won Your Storage Unit, Now What? The highest bidder wins the unit and many times is responsible for paying all of the fees, including the auctioneer's commission and any storage charges that have accrued since the unit was last paid for. In addition, bidders are typically required to put down a deposit in order to participate in an auction, which is often refundable if they do not win the property. Finally, it's important to be aware of the closing costs, which can include transfer taxes, title insurance, and other fees. Final Thoughts If you wish to know more about storage auctions, don't hesitate to contact South Rock Storage, a reliable storage facility in Wichita, KS. At South Rock Storage, auctions may be hosted once a month if there are units that have been abandoned.
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FAQ

You have questions, we have answers.

When can I move in? 

If there is a storage space available that meets your specific storage needs you can move in anytime.

How much notice needs to be given before I move out? 

All contracts are month-to-month. However, we do require a 10 day notice before you move out.

What type of documentation do I need to provide in order to rent a space? 

We require a government issued photo ID (example: driver’s license, state ID, or passport)

How do I make a payment? 

VISA, MasterCard and Discover (credit / debit) are the preferred method of payment. We also accept checks or money orders.

Are there any items that I am not able to store? 

Liquids, explosives, flammable liquids, toxic materials and perishables. Please contact us if you have any questions regarding a specific item.

Does there have to be someone to let me through the security gates? 

No. At the time of signing you will be given your own security pass code that will allow you convenient access to your unit.

What forms of payment do you accept? 

For your convenience, we suggest signing up for automatic payments – using your valid credit card (VISA, Mastercard, or Discover) or debit card. There is no additional charge for this convenience and it avoids late fees. We also have a drop box for after hour payments.

Do I need to sign a long-term lease? 

No, we rent on a month-to-month basis unless the customer requests otherwise.

Do I need to bring my own lock? 

No. As part of the Move In process, a INSET lock is included with the small admin fee. This type of lock is nearly impossible to breach – and only you will have a key for it. In addition, you may double lock the door, if you prefer.

What are the office hours? 

Tuesday - Friday: 9AM – 5PM
Saturday: 9AM – 4PM
Monday, Sunday: CLOSED

We're conveniently located in Wichita, KS

8282 East Oak Knoll St.,
Wichita, KS 67207

Contact us

We're here to help you find the perfect unit.

Our team is standing by,
ready to assist you.

Office Hours
Monday: CLOSED
Tuesday: 9AM - 5PM
Wednesday: 9AM - 5PM
Thursday: 9AM - 5PM
Friday: 9AM - 5PM
Saturday: 9AM - 3PM
Sunday: CLOSED
We look forward to speaking with you!
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